United Way of Central New York activates the community to build resilience, improve health outcomes, expand youth opportunities, and enhance financial security, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
To achieve this mission, our work falls into four distinct impact areas.
callers connect to essential services by the Central New York 211 hotline
individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency by securing education and income to support their basic needs and build wealth.
older adults stay safe and healthy, maintaining a high quality of life.
students receive high-impact tutoring through Book Buddies
Many families in Central New York are struggling to make ends meet. In Onondaga County, nearly 1 in 5 children live in poverty, and Syracuse ranks among the highest in the nation for child poverty. Barriers like access to health care, safe housing, and stable jobs make it even harder for families to get ahead.
By mobilizing the right people and resources at the right time, United Way helps communities navigate urgent challenges today – while working toward a stronger, more resilient tomorrow. We strengthen nonprofits and foster collaboration to address the region’s most pressing needs.
211CNY A free, confidential, 24-hour hotline that connects individuals to community resources for various challenges. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211cny.com.
United Way’s community drives rally volunteers to meet urgent needs – distributing care packages, collecting winter gear, children’s books, hygiene items, and more – fostering connection and compassion across Central New York.
VolunteerCNY is a regional platform connecting nonprofits, individuals, and corporate groups to volunteer opportunities. Track your hours, earn recognition, and make a meaningful impact in your community.
United Way partners with more than 35 agencies to make this all possible.
Help us support this important work in our community.
In Onondaga County, 25% of households are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), meaning they work but still struggle to afford basic needs like housing, food, and transportation. Economic instability keeps these families stuck in a cycle of poverty, making it difficult for individuals to break free from poverty and achieve long-term stability.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax prep services, returning millions of dollars in refunds that help families cover basic needs.
The Thrive at Work program provides on-site financial coaching and education to help employees navigate financial challenges and build stability.
Ride United, in partnership with Lyft, offers free rides, ensuring access to essential appointments and reducing financial stress.
The CNY CA$H Coalition brings together credit unions, colleges, the IRS, local nonprofits, and volunteers to offer free tax prep, financial education, and asset-building resources to help families maximize refunds, reduce debt, and save.
United Way partners with more than 35 agencies to make this all possible.
Help us support this important work in our community.
Reading by third grade is a critical milestone – but too many children in Onondaga County are falling behind. A significant number of third graders, especially from low-income families, don’t meet reading standards, putting their future success at risk. Early literacy is key to learning in every subject, and without the right support, struggling readers face long-term academic and life challenges.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, supporting early literacy development.
The Book Buddies program pairs volunteers with K-3 students in the Syracuse City School District for one-on-one tutoring, providing essential reading support through weekly sessions.
The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County supports initiatives that boost literacy rates for both children and adults across Onondaga County.
The Full STEAM Ahead Book Distribution delivers books focused on science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math encouraging both literacy and a passion for STEAM subjects.
United Way partners with more than 35 agencies to make this all possible.
Help us support this important work in our community.
Too many families in Central New York struggle to access basic health care and live in safe, healthy homes. In Syracuse’s highest-poverty neighborhoods, lead poisoning remains a serious threat – especially for children living in older, deteriorating housing. Exposure to lead can cause permanent harm to a child’s brain development, affecting their learning, health, and future success. These challenges are preventable, but only if we come together to take action
The Lead Safe CNY Coalition works to prevent lead poisoning through education, workforce development, and advocacy. We engage the community, train workers in lead-safe practices, and promote policies that support safe and healthy housing for all.
Ride United Last Mile Delivery offers free delivery of essential goods to those in need, reducing transportation barriers and addressing social determinants of health to support community stability and well-being.
United Way partners with more than 35 agencies to make this all possible.
Help us support this important work in our community.
• AIDS Community Resources, Inc.
• American Red Cross of Central and Northern New York
• ARISE Child and Family Service, Inc.
• AURORA of CNY
• Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, NY
• Center for Community Alternatives
• CenterState CEO (Work Train)
• Central New York Community Foundation (Youth STEM Funder Collaborative)
• Chadwick Residence, Inc.
• Child Care Solutions
• Contact Community Services, Inc.
• Deaf New Americans Advocacy, Inc.
• Elmcrest Children’s Center, Inc.
• Food Bank of Central New York
• Franciscan Northside Ministries
• Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society
• Hillside Children’s Center
• HOPE for Bereaved, Inc.
• House of Psalms 23, Inc.
• Huntington Family Centers
• InterFaith Works of CNY
• McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy
• NEHDA, Inc
• On Point for College
• Onondaga Earth Corp
• Partners in Learning, Inc.
• PEACE, Inc.
• Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment, Inc. (RISE)
• Salt City Harvest Farm, Inc.
• Samaritan Center, Inc
• Syracuse Northeast Community Center.
• The Salvation Army, Syracuse Area Services
• Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Inc.
• Welch Terrace Housing Development Fund, Inc.
• Westcott Community Center, Inc.
• WHOLE ME, Inc.
• YMCA of Central New York
• YWCA of Syracuse & Onondaga County, Inc.
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